Most people prefer propagation to start their New England aster plants because it ensures how the new plant will turn out. Often, when starting from seed, there is no guarantee that the plant will look the same as its parent. In order for propagation to work, New England aster must already be fully grown. It is recommended that the plant be at least three years old before attempting to separate. Otherwise, the root system could get badly damaged. New England aster grows best in fertile soil with constant moisture. It is also recommended that aster gets divided every two to three years so that its growth doesn’t get stunted.
Division
Best time to divide aster is in early Spring so that the new shoots have time to develop. Make sure to do it before the buds appear, though.
- Use a shovel to divide the plant into 2 equal parts
- Shake the loose soil from the roots into the hole
- Use sharp pruning shears to cut away any dead growth on the plant
- Replant both halves immediately into new soil at the same depth they were previously
- Water and feed the plants until well established
Cuttings
Aster can also be propagated by cuttings.
- Cut 5-inch section of stem from healthy plant in early Spring
- Remove the lower leaves from the bottom 3 inches of the cutting
- Keep three or four near the top of the cutting
- Dip stem in water and then into a rooting hormone
- Plant stem 2-3 inches deep in a pot filled with a well-draining medium like sand
- Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to keep it humid
- Make sure not to place in direct sunlight or it will cook
Roots will develop in a couple of weeks. Once they do it will be safe to plant the aster in soil making sure to water and feed it well.
Common Problems
Aster Yellows
- Caused by the insect aster leafhopper
- Infected plants have yellow leaves and stems, stunted growth, and small flowers
- Once infected with aster yellows the plant will never recover
- Remove the infected plant and destroy it
- This disease can affect other plants besides aster
Identifying Aster Leafhoppers
Murray, Andy. “Leafhopper.” flickr, 3/16/12
- Small wedge-shaped bugs
- Quick moving
- Color can range from brown to yellow to green
Removing Aster Leafhoppers
- Best way to remove would be with insecticide
- One specifically labeled for these leafhoppers
- Keep up with weeding around the flowers
- Weeds can harbor leafhopper eggs
Additional Tips
- Cut the top third of leaves off the flowers by June to encourage more growth
- For indoor flower arrangements, cut aster when it is in full bloom
- Place in warm water
- Change water daily to extend life
- May need support to stand if there are no grasses or other plants growing around it
- Especially if it is sheltered from wind and sun, it will have a tendency to lean
More Info
For additional information, please see these sites: